Postoperative pain : the patients' perception

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the patients' views of pain and it's relief during the first three days following surgery. This study was carried out in 3 general surgical wards and the sample population consisted of 12 female patients. A descriptive non-experimental approach was chosen using structured interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was undertaken. The results suggested that all the patients were in pain at some time during the first 3 postoperative days. Also the patients stated that the pain affected various activities of living including mobility, sleep and respiration. Furthermore, the majority of the patients commented that analgesia relieved most of the pain however this pain returned before another dose was administered. Suggestions are made for improvements to the present situation and for further research to be carried out.